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The original item was published from 5/1/2019 12:17:00 PM to 5/6/2019 8:13:57 AM.

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Posted on: April 9, 2019

[ARCHIVED] Off-Leash Area for Dogs Opens May 1

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Dog owners are permitted to let their pet play off-leash in one specified area of Jamestown Beach Event Park, beginning May 1. The park is located at 2205 Jamestown Road.

Please note: The off-leash dog area will close May 5 for vehicle parking in support of the Ironman 70.3 Virginia events. The area will reopen Monday, May 6 at 8 a.m.

In March 2019, the James City County Board of Supervisors amended the County Code to allow the Director of Parks & Recreation the ability to establish off-leash areas for dogs in designated areas within County parks. The department will conduct a trial program to evaluate its effectiveness and use before potentially expanding in the future. Jamestown Beach Event Park is the only location where off-leash is offered this year. It will be an unfenced off-leash area, approximately 150 feet by 300 feet; please download our Off-Leash Area Map (PDF) to view the off-leash area location within Jamestown Beach Event Park. Within the off-leash area, the corners are marked with fencing to denote boundaries, but the area will not be completely fenced-in. Outside of this off-leash area, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under complete and immediate control of the owner. Owners are responsible for removing dog waste. A disposal station and litter bags will be available for patron convenience.

Park visitors using the facility must abide by the Off-Leash Area Rules & Regulations (PDF). There is no fee to use the off-leash area. The area is open during park operating hours, daily 8 a.m.-sunset. Please note, the off-leash dog area will be closed during special events held at the park.

Please take time to visit the facility; we welcome your feedback on the off-leash area. Look here for opportunities beginning in May into provide feedback and complete a survey on the trial program. For more information on the program, contact Alister Perkinson, Parks Administrator via email or at 757-259-5370. Please report concerns, issues, maintenance, violations or general comments to:

  • Report stray or abused dogs, injured small wildlife to Animal Control at 757-565-0370 or email
  • Report violations or incidents to our Park Rangers at 757-592-1665 or email
  • Report maintenance concerns or general comments to 757-259-5360 or email
  • For emergencies, call 911

For the complete list of Parks & Recreation facilities, programs and events, please visit our website or call 757-259-4200.

Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov

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